The following are associations and organizations that pertain to patch collecting or are of interest to USAF and USSF patch collectors. Please be aware that associations and organizations listed charge annual membership fees which often includes access to online resources. If you are aware of any additional organizations that should be added to this page, please contact the Webmaster.
American Society of Military Insignia Collectors (ASMIC)
Ohio Valley Military Society (OVMS)
Association of American Uniform Collectors (AAMUC)
Air Force Historical Foundation (AFHF)
Air and Space Forces Association (AFA)
The Company of Military Historians
The American Society of Military Insignia Collectors, commonly known as ASMIC, is one of the oldest and largest organizations of military insignia collectors in the world. Founded in 1937 by a small group of enthusiastic collectors, it is chartered under Ohio law and recognized as non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Society is “home” today to 2,000 dedicated collectors in the United States and foreign nations. Whether an individual is an experienced or beginning collector shoulder sleeve and distinctive unit insignia (patches and DIs); rank insignia; wings; decorations and awards (medals); elite forces emblems; cap badges; specialty markings, or simply information on heraldry and the symbolism of heraldic devices, membership in ASMIC has many advantages.
ASMIC publishes a quarterly journal entitled The Trading Post and a Newsletter. The Trading Post contains a wealth of information on all aspects of U. S. and foreign military insignia. It includes articles from members, illustrations of old and new emblems as well as an occasional color section depicting American or foreign insignia. Unidentified Insignia are covered in a separate column in The Trading Post.
The Newsletter brings word of insignia and dress items for trade or sale via classified and display ads. Society members rely on the Newsletter to advertise for insignia they wish to include in their collections and for announcements of regional and national insignia and militaria shows.
The ASMIC Reference Library contains almost 1000 items available for loan to members. These publications range from back issues of The Trading Post to major reference works published by our members and other militaria experts. The library also includes many journals from other militaria societies for use by our members
Over the years, ASMIC has produced more than 20,000 black and white line drawings of military insignia, along with detailed descriptions of the insignia and known variations. Most of these drawings are available in our Distinctive Insignia or Cloth Patch catalogs, available to the public and, at a discounted price, to ASMIC members.
ASMIC Website
ASMIC Facebook Group (members only)
The Ohio Valley Military Society is one the oldest and largest Militaria collector’s clubs in the world with over 2,000 current members.
The primary endeavor of the Society is to promote the study and collecting of historic military artifacts by sponsoring three regularly scheduled shows a year in the Ohio Valley area.
The Ohio Valley Military Society is an Ohio corporate Society the sponsors exhibitions and educational shows where military artifacts and regalia can be bought, sold, or traded.
The society promotes the study and the discussion of military history, military artifacts, and their provenance through the collecting of military items.
The Association of American Military Uniform Collectors (AAMUC) was founded early in 1977 by a small group of collectors of American military uniforms who felt the need to work together to improve their personal collections and themselves by exchanging their ideas and knowledge. As a group, AAMUC (pronounced “amuck” is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and study of American military uniforms.
The group’s primary activity is the publication of the FOOTLOCKER which is a quarterly newsletter full of member-written articles and advertisements. The articles are generally concerned with the collecting field in general and with the preservation and restoration of military clothing. Other articles may cover identification of militaria. Book and museum reviews are also included from time to time.
There is no formal structure to AAMUC’s organization, but there is an informal Board of Governors consisting of the Editor of FOOTLOCKER, the Adjutant, the Quartermaster, and several others. This group generally does the work required to make AAMUC function and lays out a course of action for approval by the membership. AAMUC members are surveyed from time-to-time to determine their wishes on various matters, so that this is a group which truly tries to serve the desires of the membership.
The Air Force Historical Foundation’s primary mission is to educate and promote the preservation and appreciation of the history and heritage of the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, and the organizations and people that have come before. Our continued focus is on producing quality research and educational programs for our Airmen, Guardians, and the families of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. This includes members of the Active-Duty Force, National Guard, Reserve, DoD Civilians, and civilian aviation and space enthusiasts around the world.
Founded in 1953 by General Carl A. “Tooey” Spaatz and other Air Power pioneers, the Air Force Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of American aviation and space capabilities. Our primary emphasis is on the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, predecessor organizations, and the individuals whose lives and dreams have been and continue to be devoted to flight and space operations.
The mission of the Air & Space Forces Association is to promote dominant U.S. Air & Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect our enduring Heritage.
To accomplish this, AFA:
- EDUCATES the public on the critical need for unrivaled aerospace power and promote aerospace and STEM education for a technically superior and professional workforce to ensure national security;
- ADVOCATES and promote aerospace power to favorably shape policy and resourcing decisions to guarantee the strongest aerospace forces in the world;
- SUPPORTS Airmen, Guardians, and the families of the Total Air Force and Space Force, including Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, civilians, families, and members of the Civil Air Patrol.
The Company of Military Historians was founded in 1949 as an educational, scientific, and literary institution devoted to the study and dissemination of: “information on the uniforms, equipment, history, and traditions of members of the Armed Forces of the United States worldwide and other nations serving in the Western Hemisphere.”
The Company of Military Historians started as an informal group of six individuals in 1949, and other interested people soon joined them. The society was officially formed at a meeting in 1951 and was incorporated in Washington DC the same year as The Company of Military Collectors & Historians. In 1962, by a majority vote of the membership, the name was changed to The Company of Military Historians.
Membership is open to adults of eighteen years and over who have demonstrated a keen interest in some phase of military history. There are no requirements concerning sex, race, color, nationality, ethnic background, or political affiliation. The main qualification is a strong desire to share one’s knowledge and expertise.
No part of The Company’s earnings is used to benefit any individual, and none of its activities is devoted to lobbying or propaganda. Its publications are available to all. Incorporated in the District of Columbia, its nonprofit status is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
The activities, funds, and properties of The Company are controlled and managed by a Board of Governors of fifteen members, elected by the entire membership. The Board consists of three panels of five governors each, a new panel being elected every year, and each panel serving a three-year term.
Members perform, without compensation, the Company’s other managerial duties: administration, editing, and other functions of its publications, and management of meetings and exhibits.
A general meeting is held annually, usually over a spring weekend that includes seminars, discussion groups, exhibits, tours of historic sites, a flea market, a business meeting, a dinner, and appropriate entertainment. Regional meetings are held regularly in those areas that have local chapters.
Dues, subscriptions, fees, donations, and bequests support The Company’s activities. They are deductible, within legal limits, in computing taxes.
The Company of Military Historians Website
The Company of Military Historians Facebook